2019 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino

The rich, savory nose has the tang and earthy depth of an herb garden with top soil, thyme, sage and pepper, then the pop of tart berries. Cherries and strawberries are sweet and bouncy on the palate but the vibrant acid and salty, herbaceous undertones create an optimistic, energetic tension. (DB)

Delightful aromas of juicy red cherries, strawberries, rose petals and wild bush, together with hints of juniper and ground herbs. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and crisp acidity. Zesty and piquant with beautiful balance and finish. Plenty of fruit at the end. Give it more time to come around. Try after 2027.

This is packed with ripe cherry, plum and raspberry fruit, with floral, mineral, juniper and wild herb accents adding depth and complexity. There's plenty of energy and structure as well, providing excellent balance, with a long aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2045. (BS)

At an average altitude of 300 metres, Argiano stretches out over 120 hectares (58 of which are planted to vines) in the southwestern sector of Montalcino. Looking towards the Mediterranean, the vineyards are bathed in breezes from the sea. The 2019 is poignantly evocative of place exuding salt-tinged sweet herbs, rose and bergamot. Generously weighted with succulent strawberries and cherries, this fills the mouth without feeling heavy. Tangy tangerine instils freshness. Long chalky tannins caress with increasing firmness as it flows confidently across the palate. Rosemary and sage echo on the finish.

Crushed ashen stones, cloves, dried black cherries, rosemary and balsam herbs create a spice box display as the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. This is surprisingly fresh and energetic, nearly juicy in character, yet refined and focused, with silken textures ushering in crisp wild berry fruits and orange tones that slowly saturate the palate. It finishes spicy and long, yet its energy never wavers, with grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks as licorice and cranberry notes fade.

The Argiano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino comes out stronger than the previous 2018 and 2017 vintages, thanks to the precision and focus of its fruit flavors in this balanced vintage. It shows ample depth and volume, with sweet cherry and blackberry that fold into softly toasted spice and earth. Floral hints of lilac and iris make brief but poignant appearances. Velvety tannins and a nicely concentrated mid-weight palate give good staying power. This is a 120,000-bottle release.